Intellectualism vs. Faux-Intellectualism
Because of the introduction of Sarah Palin to the national stage, there’s been criticism of the “anti-intellectualism” from conservatives. Of course like most national debates we have a habit of turning into the residents of South Park, and I’ll admit that my side sounded re-re-retarded complaining aboot “Georgetown cocktail parties.” That said, I don’t know any conservatives who are “anti-intellectualism,” or at least none that I run with. It’s the “faux-intellectualism” where most of us have a problem.
I generally feel that true “intellectuals” are people smart enough to not get involved with politics in the first place, but that’s beside the point. We all have intellectuals on our side. They’re work in our think tanks, write books, and create policy…and do this without going on the attack of people who might see things differently. If you have a difference of opinion, they’ll respectfully debate you on it.
Then you have the “faux-intellectuals.” These are the people who will only surround themselves with people who agree with them on everything, and if someone’s doesn’t it’s either because there’s something wrong with the person or they’re too stupid to know any better. These are the people who are always looking to lecture you on what you should think, and make up a majority of your editorial writers, pundits, celebrities, bloggers, and college professors…and they’re also the one’s who seem to speak the loudest.
And before the e-mails start, both sides have their fair share of faux-intellectuals.
